Isobel Jacob
Bringing together absurdly silly cum jokes and amusingly specific references to Stranger Things, Doctor Who and veganism, Simpson has created a fast-paced, thrilling comedy show that truly has Eliott Simpson’s own stamp on it.
And not to forget his fabulous transformers joke..! Simpson is playfully political and proudly nerdy as he comically exposes his personal experiences with dating and sex and what it feels like to be asexual in an allosexual world.
He discusses within the show itself that he is intentionally blurring the line between stand-up and ‘pathos’: some sections of the show are more akin to storytelling as Simpson connects his own experiences to what asexuality actually is. I understand the need for this when so many audiences have misconceptions, or even just no knowledge at all, about asexuality and I think Simpson strikes the right balance between educating, in order to ensure everyone is on the same page, and entertaining without catering too specifically for an ignorant audience.
Considering the show was building up to the story about him and his partner’s exploration of cunnilingus, this part of the show felt rushed and therefore anti-climactic. My feeling is that, of course, it’s absolutely fine for Simpson’s private sex life to not be described in detail, or even discussed at all – and I appreciate the marketing hook of the show’s title – however it seemed that Simpson actually set up a section about oral sex, and yet we never got to hear about the full story he began to tell. I wonder if this was a timing issue?
Simpson performs with a clipboard in hand, which is absolutely fine by me in itself, however I felt that the way Simpson used in to prompt each next ‘bit’ made the transitions a little clunky and the flow of the show overall was broken up.
Regardless, this is a delightfully silly and personal stand-up show from an unfiltered asexual perspective that both dispels myths and stereotypes and also showcases Simpson’s own unique experiences at the same time. Although this could seem like a niche focus for a comedian, Simpson welcomes everyone in and I can guarantee everyone will find something to connect with (and laugh at) in An Asexual Show About Cunnilingus.
Recommended Drink: A lovely English Breakfast tea to accompany a slice of cake.
You can watch An Asexual Show About Cunnilingus by Eliott Simpson at Laughing Horse @ City Cafe until 30th August at 19:05 (1 hour). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.
Hannah Hamilton
Finlay Clench
Salvador Kent
